More...

BSB: Hickman joins Smiths BMW for BSB & Roads assault

Peter Hickman will join the Smiths BMW team for an assault on the 2017 MCE British Superbike and International Road Racing seasons.

The three-time TT winner and fourth quickest man in TT history has his sights set on further upping his game after penning a deal with the Gloucester-based outfit.

Having won two BSB races in 2016, Hickman is adamant he can make the Showdown on the short circuits this year while also fighting for success on the roads, where he’s already a multiple race winner.

The deal will also see Hickman campaign Smiths' TT-winning Triumph 675 in the Supersport class on the roads.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the BMW, we know how strong it is on the roads,” he told MCN. “I generally get on with the bike well. The base, Superstock bike as you buy it and take it out of the crate is just so strong to start with. It’s got a really strong engine and is fast enough, so it takes away a lot of the problems.

“Smiths have been around a bit, they’re a good family run team, really enthusiastic and desperate to win which is a massive plus on my side. I’m taking all my crew from GBmoto, Daz my crew chief, Pete Clifford my electronics guy and my two mechanics. The whole crew around me will stay the same which is really important for me. The team know what they’re doing, they build really good bikes and although they’ve struggled this year the bike looked good. With what they have, and what we can bring to the party as well I think it’ll be a real strong package.”